Leeds becomes key hub for the Northern Intellectual Property Network
On the 16th September 2026 the School of Law hosted the ‘Northern IP Network – Leeds Stop’.
The event brought together nearly 30 participants from across the North of England for a day of discussion, networking, and research exchange in intellectual property, technology law, and related fields.
Organised by the Technology, Governance and Intellectual Property Research Group, and co-ordinated on this occasion by Dr Andrea Zappalaglio and Dr Igor Szpotakowski, the event formed part of the ‘Northern IP Network’, an initiative launched in 2025 by the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) to encourage collaboration among scholars working in Intellectual Property, Technology Law, and neighbouring areas across northern universities.
Co-ordinators of the event – Dr Andrea Zappalaglio and Dr Igor Szpotakowski
The Leeds programme opened with official welcomes from Dr Sam Lewis, Director of Research and Innovation for Law; Professor Duncan Sheehan, Director of the Centre for Business Law and Practice; and Mr Rich Corken, Chief Analyst at the Intellectual Property Office.
The fascinating keynote address was delivered by Professor Ben Farrand of Newcastle Law School, who spoke on “Strategic asset or innovation hindrance? The perception of IP in the context of geopolitical technology governance”.
The rest of the day reflected the breadth of current research developed by the School of Law in the field. Sessions covered copyright and AI, including presentations by Dr Rebecca Moosavian and Dr Igor Szpotakowski; a PhD research showcase featuring Christopher Robinson and Maria-Anda Busuioc; a UKIPO session on forthcoming research priorities and completed activities; and a branding session with presentations by Dr César Ramírez-Montes and Dr Andrea Zappalaglio.
Dr Andrea Zappalaglio states:
The spirit of the Northern IP Network is all about sharing research and building new synergies with neighbouring universities. The Leeds Stop achieved exactly that while also placing our recently established Technology, Governance and Intellectual Property Research Group on the map.
Dr Igor Szpotakowski states:
“We are very grateful for the support that made this event possible. Special thanks are due to the School of Law, and in particular to the Centre for Business Law and Practice, as well as to the Faculty of Social Sciences and Environment and the UK Intellectual Property Office for coordinating all the partner institutions.”
We are especially grateful to all members of the Technology, Governance and Intellectual Property Research Group who helped shape the programme and contributed their research.
Keep up with other School of Law events here.
